The language of wine - IWEG Monthly NewsletterMar. 07, 2019

The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is WSET’s new flagship qualification that will replace the current Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits from August 2019. The key changes are:

removal of spirits to allow more in-depth coverage of wine

an increase in the delivery time for the Wines of the World Unit

a different assessment format for the two ‘foundation’ Units - covering wine production and wine business - tailored to new Learning Outcomes to ensure candidates have achieved the required knowledge for success in later Units

a new in-depth research assignment designed to assess the candidate’s ability to research beyond WSET’s learning materials to evaluate the current trends in wine.

Following the Unit-based format of the current Diploma, the new qualification will be supported by new digital learning materials and dedicated educator resources to promote first-class learning.

For more details about planned changes to the Diploma, along with guidance for students currently in the Diploma programme and those considering enrolling on a Diploma course, watch this video.

"The new Diploma in Wines has been designed as a market-leading qualification that will set a new global standard for wine education, building on the success of the current Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits. The programme will improve the student experience throughout the study and exam cycle, providing them with expert-level product knowledge whilst enabling the development of professional skills key to success in the global wine business." - Karen Douglas, WSET Director of Global Education

Information sessions on the new WSET Diploma will be held in Ottawa at Algonquin College in April and in Toronto at IWEG in May. Students interested in learning more about IWEG's 2019 WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines are encouraged express their interest in the program by contacting Krystenne MacMullin for further information.

THE FUTURE 50
Unearthing the industry's up-and-coming talent

‘The Future 50’ Awards have been created by WSET and International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) as a unique, global platform to champion the young people shaping the future of our industry.

Winners will have the distinction of being named one of ‘The Future 50’ leaders of our industry gaining high-profile, global exposure for their achievements. The Future 50 will be supported by a comprehensive promotional programme including in a special issue magazine.

We are calling on professionals across the industry to nominate themselves or a colleague to help identify the 50 exceptional individuals who will become 'The Future 50'.

Entry Criteria

Be under 40 years of age by November 2019

Be able to demonstrate distinctive achievements in their field within the last three years. These may include but are not limited to:

Motivating and inspiring others

Entrepreneurial or technological innovations

Exceptional educational/academic achievements or contributions

Overcoming adversity or breaking down barriers

Outstanding performance in their field

'The Future 50' will be selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Supporting our judges is our regional advisory panel, a distinguished group of industry experts from across the globe who will provide local knowledge and insight.

Timeline
Nominations close: March 14, 2019
Shortlisted nominees contacted for further information: April 2019
Winners notified: October 2019
The Future 50 are announced: November 2019

"The Future 50 is our way of demonstrating support for those who will be driving forward the top quality standards that have been set across the industry – from brands, to products, to venues – and ensuring that the drinks world continues to innovate and advance". - Allen Gibbons, CEO IWSC

Nancy Wang is a passionate wine lover. She was born in China and studied English Literature and Russian. After spending a decade in education, she moved on and entered into the business world. Being a Vice President for nearly 20 years, she has accumulated substantial experiences in business management. Having finished WSET Level 2 and Level 3 in Shanghai and now both a WEST Diploma student and an instructor for WSCP course at IWEG, she is excited to share her knowledge and rich experience with the Chinese community in Toronto.

Yan Xuan has always been fond of wine. But it wasn't until he had a taste of the 2004 Chablis Grand Cru "Moutonne" that wine became his true passion. Never did he imagine that a wine could be so exquisitely complex. Majoring in Chemical Engineering from Ryerson University, he entered the wine industry with not only a wide-range of experience in wine tasting artistry, but also an in-depth understanding of the science behind wine making. He also has been working with a specialty wine store as a buying consultant.

Yan Xuan has completed WSET Levels 2 and 3, and now he is a WSET Diploma candidate. Yan has spent several summers in his favourite regions, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Mosel and Ningxia. He would like to share his passion and knowledge of wine with people, in Mandarin and English.

The earliest recording of Riesling dates back to March 13, 1435 in Germany when the first Riesling vines were officially recorded. As a result, March 13th has been officially designated as Riesling Birthday.

Come and celebrate International Riesling Day on March 13th at 7PM with Master of Wine Eugene Mlynczyk! A special Riesling birthday cake will be served at the end of the masterclass.

In honour of Riesling’s Birthday, Canadians from coast to coast are invited to be part of the celebration with an opportunity to win one of ten $100 gift cards for use at their local liquor store by sharing a picture of themselves on social media enjoying German Riesling with the hashtag #RieslingBirthday to be automatically entered to win.

No purchase necessary. Contest starts at 12:01 am EST on Friday, March 1st, 2019 and closes at 11:50pm EST on Wednesday, March 13th, 2019.

“IWEG’s signature series offers a superb opportunity to dive deeply into specific areas, illustrated by top quality wines. They should be part of everyone’s ongoing education." - John Szabo Dip WSET, MS @johnszabo

The Signature Series brings you innovative seminars throughout the academic year that highlight current and relevant subject matter with a unique educational edge. Designed to engage our alumni, students and consumers these seminars are an excellent platform to continue learning, develop tasting skills and to network with fellow industry.

International Riesling Day on Wednesday, March 13th @ 7PM - 9PM: Come and celebrate International Riesling Day with Master of Wine Eugene Mlynczyk. A special Riesling birthday cake will be served at the end of the masterclass. Presented by Wines of Germany.

Malbec World Day Celebration on Tuesday, April 16th @ 7PM - 9PM: On the Eve of Malbec World Day, join Wines of Argentina and Christopher Waters, DipWSET for a celebration of Argentina's iconic varietal. Though originally from Southwest France, this red varietal is better suited to Argentine soil than any other. In Argentina Malbec found ideal environmental conditions for its development and gave origin to exceptional wines. Argentina is known as the producer of the finest Malbec Wines.

California Zinfandel on Wednesday, May 15th @ 7PM - 9PM: Find out why Zinfandel reigns supreme in the eyes of many. Led by Eugene Mlynczyk, MW. Presented by the California Wine Institute.

The course is taught by Wines of Portugal Academy educator Sofia Salvador.

Students successful in the course will receive a professional accreditation from the Wines of Portugal Academy. Explore the history, taste a variety of wine styles, and further your knowledge of the native grape varietals of this great winemaking region! This one-day course is ideal for trade professionals seeking professional accreditation and Portuguese wine enthusiasts.

Italian Wine Scholar is an extensive 2-unit specialist certification focused on the diverse wines and wine regions of Italy. The Italian Wine Scholar program is an official certification and course of study designed by the Wine Scholar Guild to provide current, accurate information on all of the wine regions of Northern, Central and Southern Italy, and to validate proficiency in the wines and wine regions of the country. Unit 1 covers Northern Italy, and Unit 2 covers Central and Southern Italy.

The units of study can be taken in any order.

Prerequisite: None. However, WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits is strongly recommended, and WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is preferred. Expect to spend from 25 to 50 hours of preparation and review over the duration of each Unit outside of classroom hours.

Each 18-hour unit provides detailed coverage of Italian wines, as well as an introduction to Italian history, geography, viticulture and winemaking. You will:

Develop specialist knowledge of the DOC and DOCG wines of 21 Italian regions

Appreciate the cultural context of Italian wine

Consider the vineyard and winery factors that contribute to wine styles

Develop assessment and description skills as you sample a range of exemplary wines, including many that are rare and difficult-to-source

Each unit culminates in a 100-question multiple-choice exam. Students achieving a composite score of at least 75% for both exams will receive the IWS credential, certificate and lapel pin.

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits is a beginner to intermediate level qualification exploring wines and spirits for those working in the industry, looking to join the industry or wine and spirit enthusiasts.

Prerequisite: None. Expect to spend 12 hours of preparation and review over the duration of the course, outside of the classroom.

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is an advanced level course for wine industry professionals, or those seeking to join the profession, or for wine enthusiasts wishing to develop a deeper understanding of wine.

Prerequisite: None, however successful completion of WSET Level 2 Wines and Spirits is recommended, or an equivalent level of wine knowledge, as is experience with writing English at the college level. Expect to spend 50 hours of preparation and review outside of the classroom over the duration of the course. Please contact the office if you wish to take an optional “readiness” exam.

This 40-hour course provides in-depth and detailed understanding of how human and natural factors in vineyard and winery affect wine style, quality and price. It further develops systematic tasting and description skills. You will:

Explore in detail grape varieties, wines and wine-growing regions

Develop a thorough understanding of grape-growing and wine-making practices

Be able to explain how and why various vineyard and winery factors shape wines of all styles and quality levels

Assess and describe wine with confidence, and be able to make storage and service suggestions

Learn how to taste wines, describe their characteristics and evaluate their quality, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

Upon successful completion of a tasting test and a theory test - please note candidates are required to pass both components with at least 55% - you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

The course includes:

WSET course-pack (text book, study guide, SAT card)

Tutored tasting of all wines, sparkling wines and fortified wines specified by WSET

WSET Level 3 Award in Sake provides students with an in-depth understanding of the production methods that affect sake style, quality and price. It develops systematic tasting and description skills, as well as the ability to make recommendations.

This course combines classroom and online study and a tour of the Ontario Spring Water Sake Company.

Appreciate the historic and current cultural and commercial significance of sake in Japan and in export markets

Assess and describe sake with confidence, and be able to make selection, storage and service suggestion

Upon successful completion of a tasting test and a theory test, consisting of multiple-choice and short-written answers, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

The course curriculum is instructed by Michael Tremblay, IWEG's WSET Certified Sake Instructor and Ontario's first Advanced Sake Professional. Michael is the Head Judge for the Toronto International Sake Challenge and has had the opportunity of judging at the International Wine Challenge in Japan and London. He is currently the Head National Sake Sommelier for Ki Modern Japanese + Bar, where he manages the largest sake list in Canada. Michael was recently awarded the prestigious title of Sake Samurai by the Japan Sake Brewers Association for spreading the word about Japanese sake around the world with pride and passion.

Chile is a viticultural paradise and is one of the oldest wine producing countries of the new world, with vines first planted in 1548. Wines of Chile Academy has been created by Wines of Chile to offer structured courses to trade professionals as well as for Chilean wine enthusiasts.

A Certificate of Recognition as a Wines of Chile Academy Ambassador will be issued upon successful completion of a 3.5 hour evening course (including final assessment). Taught by authorized Wines of Chile Educator and IWEG's WSET Diploma coordinator Peter Wearing DipWSET.

This course is ideal for trade professionals seeking professional accreditation and Chilean wine enthusiasts!

Are you a WSET Diploma student at IWEG? Join our Facebook Group! This group is for you to share resources, questions, connect and keep up with the industry. IWEG will be posting industry events and useful resources to the group. Please feel free to share your own tips and updates. Click here to join the group.

WSET has also created a Facebook group for the global alumni community to connect and share ideas. Click here to join the group.

STUDENT CORNER

March Social Media Contest Winner
Congratulations to Rob Miller for winning this month's social media contest! Here is Rob's winning post from the WSET Level Award in Wines and Spirits in Waterloo.

Social Media Contest
We encourage you to share any photos, videos or messages about your IWEG experience in and out of the classroom on your social media! Tag us in your next social media post for a chance to win tickets to upcoming tastings and other special prizes. Each post will be entered into a monthly draw. Winners will be notified and featured in our monthly newsletters.

International Riesling Day on Wednesday, March 13th @ 7PM - 9PM: Come and celebrate International Riesling Day with Master of Wine Eugene Mlynczyk. A special Riesling birthday cake will be served at the end of the masterclass. Presented by Wines of Germany.

Malbec World Day Celebration on Tuesday, April 16th @ 7PM - 9PM: On the Eve of Malbec World Day, join Wines of Argentina and Christopher Waters, DipWSET for a celebration of Argentina's iconic varietal. Though originally from Southwest France, this red varietal is better suited to Argentine soil than any other. In Argentina Malbec found ideal environmental conditions for its development and gave origin to exceptional wines. Argentina is known as the producer of the finest Malbec Wines.

California Zinfandel on Wednesday, May 15th @ 7PM - 9PM: Find out why Zinfandel reigns supreme in the eyes of many. Led by Eugene Mlynczyk, MW. Presented by the California Wine Institute.

Do you have an event you'd like to share with the IWEG community? Please send all event details to marketing@iweg.org.

FEATURED PARTNERS

Thank you to our partners for supporting IWEG's educational programming. For a full list of our partners, visit here.

"When people tell me they want to get into the wine trade,or simply advance their wine knowledge for their personal enjoyment,I always draw their attention to the WSET courses" - Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine